Sample Close Reading Beowulf 258-63

How people are named carries a lot of importance in Beowulf. When Beowulf is speaking to Hrothgar's coastguard he first tells him, "We belong by birth to the Geat people/and owe allegiance to Lord Hygelac" (260-61). The primary identity is tribal, not personal. Hygelac, who remains at home, is named, but not his followers. Beowulf gives honor to his lord in this way; at the same time, he assumes the coastguard will recognize the name. In speaking of himself Beowulf says, "my father was a famous man,/a noble warrior-lord named Ecgtheow" (262-63). Geneology is connected to names and stories. Beowulf assumes his father's reputation will vouch for his own. In addition, it is a mark of social difference not to give one's name directly to an inferior.